chess, one of the oldest and most popular board games, played by two opponents on a checkered board with specially designed pieces of contrasting colours, commonly white and black. White moves first, after which the players alternate turns in accordance with fixed rules, each player attempting to force the opponent’s principal piece, the King, into checkmate—a position where it is unable to avoid capture.

Chess first appeared in India about the 6th century ad and by the 10th century had spread from Asia to the Middle East and Europe. Since at least the 15th century, chess has been known as ... (100 of 15,435 words)